The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Mojica admitted to distributing some 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May 2019. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2020. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization, the statement said. He also said Thursday's indictment includes a former Boston high school dean already serving a prison sentence for shooting a student he'd recruited to deal drugs in the school. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf, prosecutors said. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. BOSTON (AP) More than 60 members of the Latin Kings have been arrested on federal racketeering, drug and firearms charges, including the leaders of the street gang's East Coast operations,. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The investigation found evidence that the Latin Kings conspired to murder more than 10 people, operated a large-scale drug trafficking operation and committed robberies, shootings and stabbings. The highest-ranking member arrested in December was Michael Cecchetelli, of Springfield, who went by the name "King Merlin" and oversaw the east coast operations of the Latin Kings. In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment that alleged racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. Federal authorities said Mojica sold about 14 grams of cocaine to a person who was cooperating with investigators. Mojica, who went by the name "King Humble," was one of 62 people arrested on Dec. 5 when federal and local police executed 31 search warrants across 24 locations, the culmination of a five-year RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act investigation into the gang. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. WORCESTER - A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation [Latin Kings] was sentenced on Wednesday, October 28, to time served and three years of supervised release on drug distribution charges. Mojica, also known by the name King Humble, was arrested in December 2019. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Please enter valid email address to continue. The United States Attorney's Office says Mojica was also known as "King Humble." A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation has been sentenced to time served for drug distribution in connection to Operation Throne Down.. In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. 1 review of Willy's Latin Cuisine "Willy's Latin Cuisine opened recently in the former Taco Caliente on Chandler Street offering Mexican and El Salvadorian food. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Hundreds of federal and local police across New England executed 31 search warrants across 24 locations on Thursday morning, the culmination of a five-year RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act investigation into the gang. Alvin Mojica, also known as King Humble, has been sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served, which was about seven months, and three years of supervised release. "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. All rights reserved (About Us). The feds came down hard on the Latin Kings this weekend in New Bedford and Worcester. Similar to its predecessor, they offer made to order tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas, with choices of meats including birria (shredded beef), asada (steak), barbacoa (shredded beef), al pastor (marinated pork), pollo (chicken . Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Holy Cross football plays a single game at Polar Park for the third stratigh season in 2023, this year host the Harvard University Crimson in September . BOSTON A Fitchburg man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Boston Office: WORCESTER, MA A man whom federal authorities say was the leader of the Worcester Latin Kings gang pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a drug distribution charge, which could mean a jail sentence of . In July 2020 . Bristol County Jail and House of Correction had 41 Latin Kings members and dozens of inmates. Springfield:413-785-0235 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The interaction was captured by audio/video. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. More than 500 local, state and federal law enforcement officers took part in serving served thirty-one warrants this morning which lead to the arrests that included Mojica. SPRINGFIELD When Michael Cecchetelli made a bid for pretrial release after being indicted on illegal weapons charges in 2005, a federal magistrate judge denied the move, ruling Cecchetelli's role. Worcester Sen. A lock ( Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a King Humble, 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. FBI Arrest Of 62 Latin King Members In Worcester And New Bedford Has Woonsocket Woman Upset, Focusing On Positive Contributions From Gang Aidan Kearney December 6, 2019 12,535 2 minutes read One of Donald Trump's most underrated moves as President has been his appointment of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling to oversee law and order in Massachusetts. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. The Latin Kings is a gang suspected of having a nationwide network headquartered in Chicago. Alvin Mojica, named by feds as the current "Inca," or leader of the Worcester Latin Kings, had his COVID-19 release request rejected last month by federal Judge Marianne Bowler when he . WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man is one of 62 people who have been charged in connection to a bust of the Latin Kings street gang across three states. Lock Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. Have a question about Government Services? Mojica, aka King Humble, was arrested and charged with in December 2019, when he was the leader of the Worcester-based chapter of the Latin Kings, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lellings office said in a statement. BOSTON (AP) More than 60 members of the Latin Kings have been arrested on federal racketeering, drug and firearms charges, including the leaders of the street gang's East Coast operations, authorities announced Thursday. Prosecutors had asked a judge for an 18-month prison sentence. His lawyer from his prior criminal case didn't respond to a call seeking comment Thursday. Have a question about Government Services? Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). "It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.". The 30th Latin American Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 20 at what has become its traditional spot on Worcester Common behind City Hall. An official website of the United States government. Alvin Mojica, 32, of Worcester, plead guilty in federal court on Wednesday, July 15, to one count of distributing cocaine. ", $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["b87e5807-c753-4d86-974d-7aa8f17f9030"]); }). Admission is free. The investigation had been ongoing over the last four years. An official website of the United States government. pic.twitter.com/7qJPTrDRYN. Most face federal racketeering charges for allegedly trafficking drugs, laundering money and committing assaults, robberies and other violent crimes and conspiring to commit more than ten murders. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["a1cd6ec6-740d-49ec-bd36-0032eef2b5f0"]); }). The Latin Kings have also grown to become the largest gang in Massachusetts prisons, with an estimated 400 members, including leaders who face charges for continuing to coordinate criminal. Alvin Mojica, a leader of the Latin Kings gang in Worcester, pleads guilty to federal drug charges - masslive.com Prosecutors said Mojica admitted to selling roughly 14 grams of cocaine to. ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. A racketeering indictment against more than 60 defendants identified as Latin King leaders by the FBI was unsealed on Dec. 5, resulting in dozens of arrests linked to allegations of murder. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. During the plea proceedings, Mojica admitted that in May 2019 he distributed just under 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in an audio/video recorded transaction. Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in the case. He is set to be sentenced on Oct. 28. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, First alleged Latin Kings leader in Operation Throne Down pleads guilty in federal court, More than 60 alleged East Coast Latin Kings members arrested in Operation Throne Down. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 32-year-old Alvin "King Humble" Mojica got time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. The government asked for a sentence of 18 months, according to a statement from the office of Andrew Lelling, U.S. Attorney for the district of Massachusetts. Mojica admitted that in May 2019 he distributed just under 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in an audio/video recorded transaction. The Almighty Latin Kings and Queen Nation is considered the oldest and largest predominantly Latino street gang in the country, tracing its roots to the 1960s in Chicago, where authorities say it is still headquartered. The charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Mojica has admitted to distributing just fewer than 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in an audio/video recorded transaction in May 2019, when he was the leader of the Worcester chapter of the Latin Kings, Lellings office said in a statement. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The gang's operations also stretched into New York, New Jersey and Maryland. WORCESTER, MA A man whom federal authorities say was the leader of the Worcester Latin Kings gang pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a drug distribution charge, which could mean a jail sentence of up to 20 years. Alvin Mojica's arrest came in a December sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nations illegal drug supply. Prosecutors said Mojica admitted to selling roughly 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May of 2019. A lock ( The highest-ranking member arrested was Michael Cecchetelli, of Springfield, who went by the name "King Merlin" and oversaw the east coast operations of the Latin Kings. The charges will include RICO, drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms related charges. Official websites use .gov United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Mojica, the Worcester man swept up in the arrests, is facing a single count of distribution and possession of cocaine. U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling and Joseph Bonavolonta, head of the FBI's Boston office, said they will detail the arrests Thursday at the federal courthouse in Boston. Patch editor Dave Copeland contributed to this report. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. All rights reserved (About Us). 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 According to the U.S. District Attorney's Office, Mojica was the leader of the Worcester chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty king and Queen Nation [Latin Kings]. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. Federal authorities say that Alvin. December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. "It's a big hit precisely because we are able to take out all of the leadership," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling of the five-year investigation by the FBI and the state Department of Correction dubbed "Operation Throne Down." Alvin Mojica, a/k/a "King Humble," 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. This will be the first time the festival has been held outside since 2019. Dozens of Latin Kings members face racketeering, drug and firearms charges https . The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. Latin Kings Worcester Leader Facing 20 Years in Prison, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. The Latin Kings, the second-largest gang, has at least 30 members at a time in the jail. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Alvin Mojica, aka "King Humble", pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine in July 2020. The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Those arrested include leaders, members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings and . In July 2020, Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. Holy Cross football plays a single game at Polar Park for the third stratigh season in 2023, this year host the Harvard University Crimson in September . Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. All Rights Reserved. Federal authorities say that Alvin Mojica sold cocaine in Worcester. Worcester Sen. A locked padlock The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a King Humble, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. See children missing from Worcester County. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. According to the U.S. District Attorney's Office, Mojica was the leader of the Worcester chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty king and Queen Nation [Latin Kings]. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Alvin Mojica, a leader of the Worcester Chapter Latin Kings gang, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine in federal court on Wedesday, according to prosecutors. District of Massachusetts Holy Cross football plays a single game at Polar Park for the third stratigh season in 2023, this year host the Harvard University Crimson in September . Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in this case. In December, 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings were indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on charges of racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms offenses, all part of the Operation Throne Down" sting. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. We also thwarted plots to kill at least 8 people in MA, CT & FL. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf. The Latin Kings have also grown to become the largest gang in Massachusetts prisons, with an estimated 400 members, including leaders who face charges for continuing to coordinate criminal activity outside the prison, authorities said. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. Alvin Mojica's. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ), First published on December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM. Authorities said Cecchetelli and other gang leaders ran the gang with a Mafia-style hierarchy, with a council of leaders and as many as 11 chapters across Massachusetts alone. Worcester:508-368-0100. The Latin Kings are reportedly a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Alvin Mojica, 32, was arrested in December in a sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. They say the leadership approach has become a model for other Latin Kings regions in the country. WORCESTER - Alvin Mojica of Worcester was one of sixty-two arrested today across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut for charges related to involvement in the Latin Kings. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. Authorities say Shaun Harrison was a full-fledged Latin Kings member who continued his gang activity behind bars, helping the gang try to identify police informants. All of those arrested are expected to face federal charges. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mojica, who went by the name "King Humble," was one of 62 people arrested on Dec. 5 when federal and local police executed 31 search warrants across 24 locations, the culmination of a five-year RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act investigation into the gang. Mojica was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. This morning, over 500 federal, state and local law enforcement officers arrested dozens of Latin Kings members and associates and executed 31 search warrants at 24 locations. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. Official websites use .gov Officers seized the three stash houses Thursday morning as part of a federal operation that led to charges against more than 60 alleged Latin Kings members, including at least 46 from. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. BOSTON A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges. There were 54 people apprehended Thursday, of which nine were already in custody and eight others are still being sought in an predawn raid that included more than 500 law enforcement officers, he said. The United States Attorney's Office says Mojica was also known as "King Humble. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization.. Court documents allege that the gang uses drug distribution to generate. Wednesday, October 28, 2020 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts BOSTON - A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ("Latin Kings") was sentenced today on drug distribution charges. Authorities said they used some of the. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. BOSTON A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) pleaded guilty today to drug distribution charges.